Sterile package

Abstract

A package for encasing a sterile medical product. This package is formed of overlying front and rear panels of transparent plastic sheet material at least one of which has applied thereto an adhesive coating which is opaque. The panels are joined along their edges by a rupturable heat seal formed of the adhesive, the heat seal being transparent, but becoming opaque in those areas where it is ruptured.

It is claimed: 
     
       1. A package for containing a sterilized article comprising a container made of front and rear panels of nonporous, transparent plastic material, said panels being joined together about their peripheral edges by means of a transparent seal to define a recess for holding a sterilized article, said seal between said panels being provided by an adhesive which upon application to one or both of said panels is opaque, but transparent to provide such transparent seal, said adhesive forming said seal becoming opaque in those areas of said front and rear panels where said seal has been ruptured. 
     
     
       2. A package according to claim 1 in which said adhesive coating comprises a thermoplastic polymer applied in latex form. 
     
     
       3. A package according to claim 1 in which one of said panels comprises a tray having a rim with a peripheral flange extending outwardly therefrom, to which flange said opposing panel is heat sealed about its periphery. 
     
     
       4. A package according to claim 3 in which said tray is formed of polyvinylchloride and the panel heat sealed thereto is formed of a polyolefin. 
     
     
       5. A package according to claim 4 in which said polyolefin panel comprises polyethylene.